What Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out Teaches Us About Dementia
Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out made waves for its portrayal of emotions and memory, offering a surprisingly accurate reflection of the challenges faced by those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. While the film primarily tells the story of Riley, a young girl adapting to change, it also provides powerful insights that can help caregivers and families better understand the experience of seniors with dementia.
Here are three key lessons from Inside Out that align with the realities of dementia—and how caregivers can apply these lessons when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or related conditions.
1. Mood Swings: Navigating Emotional Shifts and Sundowning
In Inside Out, emotions like Joy, Anger, and Sadness take turns piloting Riley’s mind. Similarly, dementia brings unpredictable mood swings—especially during the late afternoon or early evening, a phenomenon known as sundowning. These shifts in light can disrupt circadian rhythms, leaving seniors confused and agitated.
For caregivers, it’s important to remember that mood swings are not personal. Your loved one may lash out, accuse you of wrongdoing, or appear to be a completely different person. In these moments, it may feel like the person you once knew is gone—but it’s only temporary. When the agitation subsides, their familiar personality often returns.
The key is to stay patient, recognizing that emotions like Disgust, Anger, or Fear may be in control at that moment. Keeping a predictable routine, dimming lights in the evening, and offering reassurance can help manage mood swings. Remember, it’s the disease, not your loved one, speaking.
2. Core Memories: Discovering Hidden Layers of Personality
In the film, Riley’s core memories define her personality and shape her sense of self. Similarly, our seniors are shaped by the core experiences of their lives, including moments we may never have known about.
When dementia affects memory, your loved one might not recognize you right away or may call you by a different name. This can be painful, but it’s important to understand that their memories are still there, even if they surface in unexpected ways. Dementia may also reveal previously hidden parts of your loved one’s personality. Someone you knew as a “rule-breaker” might now fixate on rules and routines—and that’s okay.
Rather than thinking they’ve “lost themselves,” consider that you’re being introduced to parts of their story you hadn’t seen before. Embrace these moments as opportunities to learn more about them and connect in new ways.
3. Long-Term Memory: Connecting Through the Senses
In Inside Out, memories are constantly being reorganized and discarded by the brain’s “cleanup crew.” In dementia, however, this process becomes jumbled—critical memories can fade while seemingly random ones remain vivid.
Though certain memories may be irretrievable, sensory experiences can offer powerful ways to reconnect. Familiar smells, tastes, sounds, and activities can trigger emotions and bring old memories to life. Cook their favorite meal, take them to familiar parks, or sing a song from their youth. These sensory connections can spark moments of joy and help your loved one feel more grounded, even if the memories don’t come back exactly as they were.
Routine is essential. Repeating familiar activities can strengthen remaining memories and provide comfort. While Alzheimer’s may alter memory, these sensory moments can provide meaningful interactions and preserve a sense of connection.
A New Perspective on Dementia Care from Inside Out
Though Inside Out was not explicitly about dementia, it offers valuable lessons for understanding how emotions, memories, and routines shape our loved ones’ lives. Just as Riley navigates challenges with her emotions, your loved one with dementia is on a journey that requires patience, empathy, and flexibility.
The film teaches us that even when someone’s personality seems to change, their essence remains. Caregivers can use sensory experiences to connect and create moments of joy. These interactions may not restore lost memories, but they can spark meaningful moments and provide comfort.
Find Memory Care Support with Concierge Care Advisors
Navigating dementia care can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Concierge Care Advisors are here to help you find the right memory care solution for your loved one. Whether you’re looking for a safe, supportive memory care community or need respite care to recharge, we’ll guide you through every step of the process.
Contact us today at 855-444-7364 or visit our website to speak with one of our compassionate advisors. We’ll help you make the right choice, the first time, so you can focus on what matters most—cherished moments with your loved one.
